STORM Troopers and a former Timelord took over a Carlisle school for an annual sci-fi-themed convention which attracted hundreds of people to the city.

Sylvester McCoy, who starred in Dr Who in the 1980s, was just one of a string of stars to meet fans at Richard Rose Central Academy on Saturday for the return of Comic Con.

The actor took the time to interact with fans, smiling for photographs and even taking the time to pose with a Weeping Angel from the series. He said: “I have been to conventions all over the world, but here it feels very friendly and family-orientated and it’s delightful to see so many children come.

“People are dressed up in their fantasy clothes and letting their hair down, if they’ve got any, and having a good time.”

The event also featured novelists and artists from the world of sci-fi and fantasy graphic novels.

The day was hailed as a huge success with a number of surprises, including a romantic Nathanial Crabtree, 20, from Braithwaite, Keswick, who surprised his girlfriend, Katie Armstrong, from Carlisle, by proposing to her.

The couple met about two years through a mutual friend and they both shared a love of all things Dr Who.

Nathanial said: “I started planning this after I had a dream that I proposed to Katie at Comic Con. I thought wouldn’t it be cool to do it at Comic Con?”

An overwhelmed Katie, 24, said: “I’m over the moon. I had an idea he was planning to do something but I didn’t think he would. I was sat up there and when he got up I started shaking. I’m still shaking.”

The couple are now looking forward to planning their Dr Who-themed wedding.

Katie added: “If anyone has a Tardis or Dalek please get in touch.”

Emily Rose Meenan, 13, attended the event with her mum Collette.

“It’s been great spending time with my friends,” said Emily.

“I love cosplay, you get to be another character for the day which is great.”